Chief Secretary Chairs High Powered Committee Meeting on NABARD’s RIDF Projects

In a recent development, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo presided over a meeting of the High Powered Committee (HPC) of NABARD to assess the progress of Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) projects in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting focused on reviewing achievements under various tranches of RIDF and evaluating new projects proposed under RIDF XXXI for the year 2025–26.

The meeting saw the participation of key officials including Additional Chief Secretaries from Agriculture Production and Public Works (R&B) departments, Principal Secretary of Finance, Director General of Resources, Chief General Manager of NABARD, and senior officers from Health, Jal Shakti, and other relevant departments.

Chief Secretary Dulloo conducted a thorough department-wise evaluation of ongoing RIDF projects, emphasizing the importance of timely project completion. He urged executing agencies to strictly adhere to project timelines and prioritize projects that are progressing satisfactorily.

Emphasizing the significance of uninterrupted fund flow, the Chief Secretary instructed departments to promptly secure remaining tranches from NABARD to ensure the successful execution of ongoing programs. He cautioned against delays and accumulation of liabilities, highlighting the potential strain on departmental budgets.

To enhance project monitoring and analysis, Chief Secretary Dulloo advised departments to upload RIDF projects on the PM Gati Shakti portal. He also urged departments to identify and finalize new projects proposed under RIDF XXXI well in advance of the deadline in February 2026.

Principal Secretary of Finance, Santosh D. Vaidya, provided insights into the expenditure and progress of RIDF projects. He stressed the need for improved expenditure efficiency across departments to maximize developmental outcomes, noting a steady increase in overall expenditure since 2022–23.

Director General of Resources, M.Y. Itoo, shared details on the sanctioned projects under RIDF XXVI to XXX, highlighting the completion of 333 projects across the Union Territory. The projects span various departments including Public Works (R&B), Jal Shakti, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal and Sheep Husbandry, and Health.

Regarding RIDF XXXI, it was revealed that several projects had already been sanctioned, with additional projects in the pipeline for approval at NABARD. Chief Secretary Dulloo reiterated the importance of timely submission of Project Completion Certificates (PCCs) and Project Completion Reports (PCRs) to facilitate the release of funds and approval of new projects.

In conclusion, Chief Secretary Dulloo emphasized the necessity for strict adherence to timelines and optimal fund utilization to ensure the success of NABARD-funded projects and maximize developmental impact at the grassroots level.